My family and I recently visited the Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveysburg (just outside of Waynesville, near Ceasar’s Creek Park) and had a wonderful time. There was so much to do; shopping, watching the performers, attending shows, and chatting with vendors. It was a great day (with record attendance) and every one seemed so happy! We always attend every season, but this one just seemed better. There were several improvements with the grounds, as there were more vendors, games, and places to sit. There was something to do every time you turned around. We even had a “marshmallow war” at Siege the Day with our own miniature catapults (they even make them for lefties!). It was so much fun, and our whole family enjoyed it!

My daughter was thrilled to meet the Queen herself. She was a lovely woman who even recognized her later in the day. This, along with getting her hair braided, made her day. My daughter, who has been recently diagnosed with Alopecia Areata, made herself a hair bucket list (which I’ll touch more on at another time) got to check this off her list. It was so worth it! She truly felt like a princess (mom’s note: the hairstyle lasted for 3 days-so it was very well done).

There are two weekends left, both themed. This coming weekend, October 17th and 18th is Romance Weekend (from the website): Bring your sweetie to spend Sweetest Day with us! Men, look good in tights? Enter the Men in Tights Contest at the Aleing Knight Pub at 4pm to see if others agree! Ladies, show us your bloomers to win the title of Best Bloomers at the Aleing Knight Pub at 5pm. Couples can renew their vows during Mass Renewal of Vows Ceremonies held at St. Peter’s Chapel twice daily at 11:30 and 2:30.

Next weekend also the last weekend of the festival, October 24th and 25th is Tricks or Treat Weekend (from the website): Wear your costumes and bring the wee ones for trick or treating around the village. Costume contests for adults and kids and pumpkin decorating for the kids. Enjoy your favorite show, mug of ale, and delicious foods one last time because after the 25th, we’re history ‘til next year!

My advice from attending last Sunday:

-Bring lots of cash. Parking is not included, and is $3 per car. The three of us ate lunch for $29 not including drinks. You can’t bring in any outside food or drink (they’re strict on this) and do not have running water. Water bottles are $3 each, $5 for two. This can add up, and since the event is outside, you run the risk of dehydration. You can however get a stamp to leave the festival and come back, so I would pack a cooler full of water bottles, ice, and snacks (I would definitely eat there, because the food is AMAZING. The steak sandwich is my favorite, and the peppers and onions aren’t extra).

-Don’t worry if you don’t have “garb”. Jeans and t-shirts are just fine, and you won’t stand out. BUT, if you would like to dress up, there is a rental shop if you’d like for the day. If you’d prefer to purchase a costume to use for Halloween and many Ren Fests to come, there are several vendors who will be more than happy to outfit you in all sizes. You can find a list of them here to browse before you go. Special shout-out to The Gilded Lily for my new hat!

-If your budget and schedule allows: I would plan on spending the entire weekend at the festival. There is no possible way to see all the shows, demonstrations, shopping and vendors in one day. Come back. It’s worth it. All of it.

Looking for Ohio Renaissance Festival Discounts? – Get $4 off Adult (ages 13+) and $2 off Child (ages 5-12) tickets by using promo code “family” when purchasing discount tickets on their secure web site at www.renfestival.com. Tickets good any day of the 2015 season (Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Sept 5 – Oct 25). Online discount only. Not valid with any other offers.